Synonyms of Mucopolysaccharidosis Type II

MPS II

Hunter syndrome

I2S deficiency

iduronate 2-sulfatase deficiency

Subdivisions of Mucopolysaccharidosis Type II

non-neuronopathic

neuronopathic

General Discussion

Summary

Mucopolysaccharidosis type II (MPS II) is a rare inborn error of metabolism that affects every organ of the body. Although the age of onset, disease severity and the rate of progression of the disease vary significantly, initial symptoms and findings associated with MPS II usually become apparent in children from two to four years of age. Manifestations of MPS II may include joint stiffness, with associated restriction of movements; and coarsening of facial features, including thickening of the lips, tongue (macroglossia), and nostrils. Affected children may also have an abnormally large head (macrocephaly), a short neck and broad chest, delayed tooth eruption, progressive hearing loss, enlargement of the liver and spleen (hepatosplenomegaly), and progressive growth delays resulting in short stature. Two relatively distinct clinical forms of MPS II have been recognized. In the non-neuronopathic form (formerly defined as slowly progressive milder form) of the disease, intelligence may be normal or only slightly impaired. In the neuronopathic for of the disease (formerly called early progressive more severe form), intellectual disabilities may be apparent in the early life of the patient.

MPS II is an X-linked genetic condition that mostly affects males; although a few females have been described as well, and is caused by changes (mutations) of the IDS gene that regulates the production of the iduronate 2-sulfatase enzyme. This enzyme is needed to break-down complex sugars produced in the body.

Introduction

MPS II is one of a group of hereditary metabolic diseases known as the mucopolysaccharidoses which in turn, are part of a group known as lysosomal storage disorders. Lysosomes function as the primary digestive units within cells. Enzymes within lysosomes break down or digest particular nutrients, such as certain carbohydrates and fats. In individuals with MPS disorders, including MPS II, deficiency or improper functioning of lysosomal enzymes leads to an abnormal accumulation of certain complex carbohydrates in cells (mucopolysaccharides, also known as glycosaminoglycans) within various tissues, such as the skeleton, joints, brain, spinal cord, heart, spleen, or liver.

Signs & Symptoms

In the neuronopathic form of this disorder, physical and mental development reaches a peak at 2-4 years of age with subsequent deterioration. Recurrent upper respiratory infections, a chronic runny nose, hearing impairment, liver and spleen enlargement, inguinal and abdominal hernias, joint stiffness and multiplex dysplasia, compression of tendines in the wrist (carpal tunnel syndrome), and joint stiffness which can result in reduction of hand function, growth failure and valvular disease commonly occur with this form of MPS II. Coarsening of the facial features with thickening of the nostrils, lips and tongue usually occur between 2 and 4 years of age. Hydrocephalus (fluid buildup in the cavities deep within the brain) is commonly found in this form of MPS II after 4 years of age. Thick skin, short neck, widely spaced teeth, and hearing loss of varying degree are also commonly present. Nodular skin lesions on the arm or the posterior chest wall, extra- high arched feet (pes cavus) and diarrhea may also occur.

Corneal clouding and cervical spine compression (very common in other MPSs) are rare in MPSII.

In the non-neuronopathic form of MPS II, mental function is usually normal, while the systemic complications are similar, although sometimes a reduced severity.

Causes

MPS II is an X-linked recessive genetic condition. X-linked genetic disorders are conditions caused by an abnormal gene on the X chromosome inherited by the mother and manifest mostly in males. Females that have an altered gene present on one of their X chromosomes are carriers for that disorder. Carrier females usually do not display symptoms because females have two X chromosomes and only one carries the altered gene. Males have one X chromosome that is inherited from their mother and if a male inherits an X chromosome that contains an altered gene he will develop the disease.

Female carriers of an X-linked disorder have a 25% chance with each pregnancy to have a carrier daughter like themselves, a 25% chance to have a non-carrier daughter, a 25% chance to have a son affected with the disease and a 25% chance to have an unaffected son.

If a male with an X-linked disorder is able to reproduce, he will pass the altered gene to all of his daughters who will be carriers. A male cannot pass an X-linked gene to his sons because males always pass their Y chromosome instead of their X chromosome to male offspring.

The gene responsible for MPS II is known as the iduronate 2-sulfatase (IDS) gene. In many individuals with MPS II, the condition is caused be relatively small changes (e.g., certain missense or nonsense mutations) in the IDS gene, or deletion or insertion of genetic material (e.g., single-base deletions or insertions) that affects gene function. Less commonly, MPS II may result from complete absence or major structural changes of the IDS gene, linking to a neuronopathic disease. Different mutations or structural changes of the gene account for the wide variability of symptoms and findings associated with the disorder (i.e., neuronopathic and non-neuronopathic types).

The IDS gene is responsible for production of the lysosomal enzyme iduronate 2-sulfatase. The deficiency of the enzyme results in an abnormal accumulation of certain complex carbohydrates (glycosaminoglycans also known as mucopolysaccharides) within the cells of various tissues of the body.

Affected Populations

MPS II typically affects only males, with symptoms becoming apparent at approximately 2-4 years of age. The disorder occurs in approximately 1 in 100,000 to 1 in 170,000 male births. A few affected females have been described, due to the selective inactivation of the X chromosome inherited by the father.

Related Disorders

There are many types of mucopolysaccharidoses that have similar symptoms. (For more information, choose “mucopolysaccharidosis” as your search term in the Rare Disease Database.)

The mucolipidoses, mannosidosis and multiple sulfatase deficiency are a family of similar disorders, producing symptoms very much like those of the mucopolysaccharidoses. (For more information on mucolipidosis, search the Rare Disease Database.)

Diagnosis

The signs and symptoms of MPS II vary greatly, so the diagnosis cannot be made by physical exam alone. Diagnosis requires documentation of reduced or absent iduronate 2-sulfatase enzyme activity in blood or skin cells. A very simple determination of glycosaminoglycans in the urine may help in screening potential positive patients. Patients with MPSII disease accumulate heparin and dermatan sulfates in the urines. Molecular genetic testing for mutations in the IDS gene is available to confirm the diagnosis. It is always important to rule out a multiple sulfatase deficiency by testing other sulfatase enzymes.

Standard Therapies

An enzyme replacement therapy, idursulfase (Elaprase), was approved in 2006 by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as a treatment for MPS II. This drug is sponsored by Shire, a company that acquired the original developer of the drug, TKT Therapeutics, in 2005. For information on Elaprase contact Shire at 1-800-828-2088 or by e-mail at medinfoglobal@shire.com.

Other treatments of MPS II are symptomatic and supportive. These management interventions commonly include developmental, occupational and physical therapy. Hernias and joint contractures may be corrected by surgery. Tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy (surgical removal of both the tonsils and the adenoids) can be used to alleviate breathing and swallowing problems. Positive pressure ventilation (CPAP or tracheostomy) can be used to apply mild air pressure to keep the airway open to alleviate breathing issues. Carpal tunnel release can treat carpal tunnel syndrome. Surgical implantation of a ventricular shunt may be used to treat possible hydrocephalus. Hearing devices may be prescribed to treat hearing loss. Developmental, physical, and occupational therapy can be helpful.

Genetic counseling is recommended for families that have a child with MPS II.

Investigational Therapies

Information on current clinical trials is posted on the Internet at www.clinicaltrials.gov. All studies receiving U.S. government funding, and some supported by private industry, are posted on this government website.

Resources

Information on current clinical trials is posted on the Internet at www.clinicaltrials.gov. All studies receiving U.S. government funding, and some supported by private industry, are posted on this government website.
For information about clinical trials being conducted at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) in Bethesda, MD, contact the NIH Patient Recruitment Office:
Tollfree: (800) 411-1222
TTY: (866) 411-1010
Email: prpl@cc.nih.gov
For information about clinical trials sponsored by private sources, contact:
www.centerwatch.com
For information about clinical trials conducted in Europe, contact:
https://www.clinicaltrialsregister.eu/

Years Published

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